R&D news in brief

Our weekly round up of drug discovery and
development stories.

Shire strikes hyperactivity deal

Shire Pharmaceuticals has struck a deal with US pharma group
New River Pharmaceuticals to develop a new treatment for
hyperactivity disorders. The agreement will see the two
companies jointly develop and commercialise the drug NRP104
which is currently in phase III clinical trials. Shire already
markets a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD), known as Adderall XR, but is expected to face
generic competition from 2006 or 2007. Investors have reacted
positively to the news with shares in Shire climbing more than
5 per cent in early trading.

Competitive Council aims outlined

The Luxembourg government has outlined its aims for the
Competitive Council meeting due to take place in April 2005.
The country, which will hold European Union (EU) Presidency for
the meeting, will focus on supporting the creation of a
European Research Area and promoting increased R&D
investment. The Luxembourg Presidency will also prioritise
promoting scientific careers, attracting the best scientists to
the EU and nanotechnology.

Parkinson's disease success

Stem cells from monkeys have successfully repaired brain
damage caused by Parkinson's disease. A team of researchers
from the University of Kyoto, Japan, took stem cells from
monkeys which were manipulated to grow into brain cells by
exposing the cells to a growth factor produced in the area of
the brain affected by Parkinson's disease. After being
transplanted into monkeys, the cells repaired brain damage and
reduced the symptoms of the disease. The research was published
in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Norak Biosciences changes name

US biotech company, Norak Biosciences, has changed its name
to Xsira Pharmaceuticals with immediate effect. The privately
owned company said that it was changing its name as part of a
plan to transition the company from a platform technology firm
to a product development firm. Dr Roger Blevins, president and
chief executive officer of Xsira said that its Transfluor
technology and pipeline had evolved to the point where
“separation is now in the best interest of the
company”.